Assessment of Environmental Problems Associated with Installation and Maintenance of New Gas-Transmission Pipelines

摘要

Twenty gas-transmission companies were contacted to provide information regarding environmental problems encountered before, during, and after installation of gas pipelines. In addition, five field investigations were conducted to gather site-specific data. A research prioritization matrix was developed to identify research areas that should be addressed by the Gas Research Institute. A preliminary research plan was produced that addressed the following research areas: (1) assessment of edaphic changes related to pipeline installation, (2) reclamation research on pipeline rights-of-way (ROWs) in the arid West, (3) stream-crossing research to document return of sport fishing after pipeline installation, (4) documentation of successful reclamation on pipeline ROWs, (5) reclamation research on ROWs in Gulf Coast wetlands, and (6) evaluation of methods for improving soil stability and erosion control on pipeline ROWs.